Firemen and their families gathered at Central Baptist Church on Tuesday night for the annual Firemen Appreciation Dinner. Honored were Emergency Service District #3 (ESD). Brad Chambers, 12 year fireman, was honored as Italy Fireman of the Year.

Special guest speaker, Jackie Cate, reminded the men about the time he took this job when he was 18 and still in high school. “They issued me a red fire coat, pair of work gloves, hip boots and a plastic helmet. They told me ‘Now you’re a firefighter!’ We didn’t have pagers, only a 2-way radio. There were fire phones in every house and one big siren on top of the fire house. My heart would race and the adrenaline would rush through my veins when that siren sounded.”

Cate also referred to the one tanker truck with no breaks he would have to commandeer. “I look at the history and compare what we have now. Look how far this department has come. The ESD (Emergency Service District) Board has been great for us. We have newer equipment and training.”

Cate referred to the firemen as brothers. “The bond firemen have is so great. We are in a brotherhood—a bond that can’t be broken.”

Cate also said, “There is no greater feeling than saving a life and changing history but remember the Greater Power than any of us-God.” One of Cate’s favorite verses reminds us that God has His hand on us all.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. — Isaiah 43:2 (King James Version)

Totaling 218 years of combined service, the men gathered to honor one another:

Bobby McBride 1 year
Eric Bradley 2 years
Jacob Hopkins 2 years
Russell Coers 3 years
Shedric Walker (Munchie) 3 years
Tommy Sutherland 7 years
Daniel Ballard 8 years
Justin Rudd 9 years
Rev. Ronnie Dabney 11 years
Josh “Smokey” Droll 12 years
Brad Chambers 12 years
Paul Cockerham 14 years
Lynn “Monster” Lambert 16 years
Michael Chambers 16 years
Sal Perales 18 years
Jackie Cate 23 years
Randy Boyd 24 years
Chief Donald Chambers 37 years

After surveying all statistics for the year, to date there were 291 calls for 2010. The top five firemen who actively participated in the calls were:

Russell Coers-72 calls
Josh Droll-84 calls
Sal Perales-131 calls
Randy Boyd-138 calls
Brad Chambers- 140 calls

Also, in attendance, were ESD Board Murrie Wainscott, Jim Steele, Howard Morgan and Jackie Cate. Not present was Vicente Guerrero. Guests of the board visiting were James and Joyce Hobbs.